ESG and Sustainable

Financial Strategy Course

Transforming your organisation’s financial strategy
 About the ESG and Sustainable
Financial Strategy Course

Organisations are operating within an environment of unprecedented

change brought about by sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social
and Governance). This presents both risks and opportunities that can
radically impact their value, making sustainability and ESG issues of
critical importance to finance strategy professionals.

The six-week, online ESG and Sustainable Financial Strategy course

combines Oxford Saïd’s impactful learning with guidance on how to
practically apply your new knowledge and transform your organisation
to meet the climate challenge.

Designed for anyone with an interest in sustainability and ESG in

finance, this course is particularly relevant for CFOs and senior
professionals who have a financial and strategic remit within their role.

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 Course themes

The course begins with an orientation module to present you with basic concepts in ESG and sustainability,
and to familiarise you with the online learning platform.

This is followed by six modules that progressively build your understanding and expertise – each
contributing a piece to your Sustainability Transformation Plan – meaning you will finish the course with
knowledge and understanding, and a custom blueprint to deliver impact within your organisation.

Themes include:

• ESG

• Social sustainability

• Net zero and climate

• Corporate purpose

• Sustainable finance

• ESG in capital budgeting

• ESG metrics and measurement

• Sustainability leadership

• Corporate governance

• Sustainability transformation

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 Course curriculum:
Orientation

Orientation: The orientation module aims to prepare you for the rest of the course.
It will:
• familiarise you with the online campus
• introduce you to the course team
• cover introductory course material including pre-reading materials, basic
definitions and a glossary.

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 Course curriculum:
Module 1: Drivers and fundamentals of sustainability

Module 1: Module 1 unpacks the issues society and organisations are facing, confronted
with the realities of climate change, ESG and sustainability. It covers the
Drivers and drivers and fundamentals of sustainability, with a focus on sustainable finance
fundamentals of best practices in business, and how they relate to finance professionals, CFOs
sustainability and CEOs.
Key learning outcomes include:
• identifying drivers of sustainable practices
• explaining social and environmental practices with positive impacts
• identifying risks and opportunities from global sustainability challenges

Unit 1 In this lesson you’ll meet your classmates and be introduced to the
Introduction to fundamentals of sustainability and the different perspectives of investors,
sustainability enterprise and other stakeholders. We’ll start exploring ESG and the drivers of
sustainable finance including ISSB definitions, the issues that organisations are
facing and what it all means for the CFO.

Unit 2 Lesson 2 tackles environmental sustainability with an especial focus on

Environment, climate topics like biodiversity, climate change, nature-based solutions and offsetting
and net zero mechanisms. It features insightful discussions with Chris Fuggle, Global Head
of Sustainability Services at Mazars LLP on climate change and net-zero goals.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 explores social sustainability by addressing corporate social

Social responsibility, human rights issues, diversity and inclusion in the workplace
sustainability and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how they relate to the
finance and accounting function.

Unit 4 Finally, through case studies and interviews with business leaders, the fourth
Applications and lesson examines the practice and application of sustainability to business. It
insights from also features a graded project where you will
practice 1) identify environmental and social issues relevant to their organisations.
2) identify the risks and opportunities associated with the identified issues.

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 Course curriculum:
Module 2: Strategic planning and long-term value creation

Module 2: Module 2 focuses on strategic financial planning and long-term value creation.
It will help you to understand how to incorporate sustainability practices into
Strategic your business’ strategy.
planning and
The learning outcomes target:
long-term value
creation • identifying areas where sustainability practices can be incorporated into your
business strategy
• pinpointing ways to implement purpose into your organisation
• determining the key elements to focus on for long-term value creation.

Unit 1 Lesson 1 explores the concept of corporate purpose and how it relates
ESG and corporate to strategy, profit and shareholder and stakeholder capitalism. The lesson
purpose examines integrated frameworks for measuring purpose and how to
implement them in resource allocation and strategic planning.

Unit 2 This lesson provides frameworks for developing a purpose-led organisation

Integrating purpose and articulating its existence, mission and vision. It covers scrutinising how the
into strategy broadening boundaries of the firm require a re-evaluation of traditional financial
reporting. You will work to establish your organisation’s vision, mission and
purpose.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 delves into implementing purpose via ESG in capital budgeting. It
Implementing examines value creation in purposeful brands and The Six Capitals Framework.
purpose: ESG in It also explores the effects of an organisation’s activities on people and the
capital budgeting planet, decision-making, resource allocation and how to measure ESG impact
on value.

Unit 4 Lastly, lesson 4 examines the practicalities of strategic planning and value
Applications and creation through case studies and sessions with Christian Heller, CEO of Value
insights from Balancing Alliance. In this module’s submission, learners will:
practice 1) differentiate between the organisation’s vision and mission
2) propose a purpose statement
3) evaluate the statement using relevant frameworks.

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 Course curriculum:
Module 3: Risk management and finance

Module 3: Module 3 explores risk management and finance in the context of

sustainability. It will help you evaluate the risks and opportunities which
Risk sustainable practices present.
management
Key learning outcomes include:
and finance
• understanding how sustainability impacts financial roles
• identifying main drivers in sustainable finance markets
• understanding how ESG risks and opportunities are integrated into financial
markets.
A quiz will test your understanding of these key concepts.

Unit 1 Lesson 1 introduce sustainable finance and the green finance market. It
Sustainable examines financial institutions, markets and policymakers as drivers of
finance sustainable finance. You will also analyse the ways ESG affects corporate and
financial markets and how all this impacts the finance function of the firm.

Unit 2 Lesson 2 introduces key risk-management approaches like the Task Force on
Identifying and Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework and examines climate
measuring ESG risks risk and opportunity with scenario analysis.
and opportunities Guest speakers share insights on high-level risk management and scenario
analysis, identifying material issues and measuring impact. You will reflect on
how ESG risks and opportunities relate to your organisation.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 delves into sustainable financing options, particularly green and
Financing social bonds, sustainability-linked bonds and loans, and the role of offsets in
sustainability reaching net zero. It examines how sustainability is integrated into financial
markets, the concept of impact finance and the link between green finance
and a lower cost of capital.

Unit 4 Lesson 4 provides first-hand insights into risk and sustainable finance from
Applications and a case study on Southwire. You will be asked to create a materiality matrix
insights from to assess the impact of certain ESG issues on your organisation. You will be
practice asked to assess your organisation’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and
threats within the ESG context.
The module concludes with a mid-programme webinar featuring a panel
discussion on a relevant topic.

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 Course curriculum:
Module 4: Regulation and reporting

Module 4: Module 4 breaks down key reporting and regulatory frameworks.

Learning outcomes include:
Regulation and
reporting • determining shared principles across sustainability frameworks and
regulations
• defining best practice in sustainability reporting
• identifying the pros and cons of different ESG ratings

Unit 1 Lesson 1 presents an overview of the main reporting frameworks and

Frameworks sustainability accounting standards: the IFRS’ International Integrated
and policies Reporting Framework and International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB)
standards; the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
standards, and EU regulations. Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, Board Member at the
ISSB, will discuss single versus double materiality and integrated reporting.
It also includes a practical activity to reinforce your understanding of key
frameworks.

Unit 2 Lesson 2 examines the role, advantages and deficiencies of ESG indices and
ESG metrics and ratings. It will provide you with an overview of key players like MSCI’s ESG
measurement Rating and explores best practice in measuring environmental and social
impacts. Group discussions will invite you to assess and reflect on ESG
measurement practices in your organisation.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 delves into the assurance aspect of sustainability reporting,

Assurance discussing internal audit and external assurance of ESG data, potential
uncertainties, and necessary processes and controls. A guest speaker from
an audit firm shares insights on this topic, followed by a quiz assessing your
understanding of key concepts.

Unit 4 Through case studies and guest speaker testimonies, lesson 4 offers insights
Applications and into the issues organisations face when reporting, and problems related to,
insights from ESG ratings. The graded project involves distilling critical information from the
practice key frameworks into a single, succinct document that will serve as an effective
reference for your future projects.

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 Course curriculum:
Module 5: Governance and stakeholder engagement

Module 5: Module 5 focuses on governance and stakeholder engagement, aiming to

develop your skills in effective corporate governance practice and sustainability
Governance reputation management.
and stakeholder
The learning outcomes include:
engagement
• defining corporate governance and board roles

• understanding compensation mechanisms in ESG

• managing corporate reputation, and strategic communication

Unit 1 Lesson 1 introduces the ‘G’ in ESG, expanding on corporate governance, board
Corporate roles and duties, and unpacks how boards currently address sustainability
governance issues. It also explores how regulation shapes governance structures. You will
be invited to reflect, discuss and analyse the governance mechanisms in your
organisation.

Unit 2 Lesson 2 discusses sustainability leadership, including sustainable leadership

Sustainability practice, the role of compensation mechanisms in aligning boards with ESG
Leadership objectives, directors’ fiduciary duties, sustainability regulations and managing
corporate reputation. Guest speakers provide insights on these topics and the
lesson closes with a graded quiz.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 explores stakeholder management and considers how investors

Managing engage with organisations on sustainability issues. It examines trends in
Stakeholders shareholder and NGO activism, investor stewardship evolution and multi-
stakeholder management. Guest speakers, including an investor and an NGO
representative, share insights on engaging with organisations on ESG issues.

Unit 4 Finally, lesson 4 offers practical insights through a case study featuring
Applications and multinational investment bank UBS. The graded project focuses on stakeholder
Insights from mapping.
Practice

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 Course curriculum:
Module 6: Transformational change

Module 6: Module 6 focuses on transformational change. It will guide you in leading the
strategic change needed to incorporate sustainability into your organisation
Transformational and its activities.
change
The learning outcomes include:
• building a sustainable and resilient culture

• creating a transformation plan for greater sustainability

• measuring and communicating a sustainability transformation strategy

Unit 1 Lesson 1 introduces sustainability transformation for long-term value creation,

Sustainability leading and managing strategic change, and the future of the corporation.
transformation Guest speakers share their experiences on major transformations in different
contexts.

Unit 2 Lesson 2 discusses building a culture of sustainability, transformational

Building a leadership, enacting the sustainability strategy and building an ESG culture and
sustainability culture corporate resilience.

Unit 3 Lesson 3 focuses on managing change, organisational transformation, adapting

Managing change to disruption, cultural change within the enterprise, resilience and growth. It
also discusses measuring and communicating sustainability transformation to
stakeholders, with guest speakers providing their insights on these topics.

Unit 4 Lesson 4 brings the module and the course to a close. It provides insights
Applications and from practice through case studies and guest speaker sessions.
insights from
The final graded project builds on your work in the previous five modules.
practice
You will bring together all of your previous assignments and finalise your
Sustainability Transformation Plan, enabling you to start conversations with
senior leadership within your organisation.

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 Course perspectives

Is the course right for you?

The ESG and Sustainable Financial Strategy course is an open programme, meaning there are no
admissions requirements. Those who will most benefit from this course are:

• Chief Finance Officers (CFOs)

• Professionals working within the office of the CFO
• Professionals working in senior strategic roles
• Other members of the C-Suite and Board

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 Benefits to you and your
organisation
By successfully completing this course, you and your organisation stand to gain a large number of benefits.

The successful completion of this course positions you as a proficient and informed individual, ready to
make meaningful contributions to your team and the broader objectives of your organisation.

Embracing the insights and competencies garnered from this educational journey, you are well-equipped to
navigate the complexities of your industry, promoting innovation, productivity and success.

Sustainability Transformation Plan

This course offers a comprehensive roadmap for your organisation to effectively address the challenges
posed by climate change. At its core lies the Sustainability Transformation Plan, a dynamic toolset designed
to drive immediate, impactful change.

Throughout the course, each module equips you with the knowledge and insights required to craft different
aspects of your plan. These modules ensure that, week by week, you build and refine your plan under
the guidance of your tutor. It’s not merely an academic exercise; it’s a significant part of the course’s
evaluation, tailored to your organisation’s unique context.

Your Sustainability Transformation Plan is not just a theoretical exercise. It’s your organisation’s roadmap to
meeting the climate challenge head-on, backed by practical tools and a comprehensive understanding of
ESG and sustainable financial strategies. With this plan, you can begin to implement sustainability and ESG
best practices immediately, shaping a brighter, more sustainable future.

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 Benefits to you and your
organisation

In module 1, you will identify critical environmental and social issues impacting your organisation,
assess ESG-related risks and opportunities, and understand your organisation’s impact on UN
Sustainable Development Goals.

Module 2 focuses on differentiating your organisation’s vision, mission, values and purpose,
culminating in a recommended corporate purpose statement.

Module 3 involves drafting your organisation’s materiality matrix, derived from the environmental
and social issues identified in module 1, and conducting a SWOT analysis.

In module 4, you’ll evaluate your organisation’s existing reporting methodologies and recommend
enhancements to strengthen your reporting practices.

Module 5 guides you in selecting the most appropriate stakeholder mapping framework to
engage internal and external stakeholders, addressing potential risks and exploring opportunities
for shared value.

Finally, in module 6, you consolidate your weekly submissions into a compelling presentation for
your organisation’s senior leadership. This serves as a catalyst for transformative conversations
that place sustainability at the heart of your organisation’s strategic direction.

Your Sustainability Transformation Plan is the blueprint that empowers your organisation to implement
leading practices in sustainability and ESG. It’s an actionable document, directly aligned with your
organisation’s vision, mission, values and purpose.

Your certificate
On successful completion you will be awarded an official digital certificate of attendance in your legal name
from Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, in partnership with AICPA & CIMA. You will need to meet
the requirements outlined in the course orientation module.

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 Elumni
Participants who complete a Saïd Business School Executive Education online programme are
automatically part of the Oxford Saïd Business School elumni community.

The Elumni community

Our thriving community comprises more than 37,000 ambitious professionals hailing from 177 countries
and representing diverse sectors like finance, law, marketing, healthcare, and energy.

Oxford Saïd Elumni Network

The Oxford Saïd Elumni Network is a virtual hub specially crafted for elumni. Acknowledging that the
journey of professional growth doesn’t cease with program completion, the platform is devised to
motivate, encourage, and provide support to elumni as they pursue their career ambitions.

It offers elumni an avenue to engage with Saïd Business School faculty, gaining access to expert
opinions, research insights, and thought leadership. Furthermore, the network facilitates purposeful
global networking, enabling collaborative endeavours for sharing ideas, expertise, and tackling challenges
collectively.

Elumni benefits
1. Ongoing learning: Continuously build upon the knowledge acquired during your online programme.
2. Enriching context: Access pertinent articles authored by distinguished business luminaries affiliated
with Oxford University.
3. Peer networking: Engage with a pool of remarkable talents through online and in-person networking
events.
4. Trends and innovations: Stay at the forefront of industry advancements by accessing pioneering
research, progressive companies and influential personalities.gl

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 The learning journey
Each week you will engage in a mixture of:

• digital videos or audio content, augmented by material created exclusively for the course
• quizzes and exercises designed specifically to help you understand and retain new information
• dialogue with your Academic Director, tutors and peers via discussion forums and small group sessions
• simulations and other carefully crafted interactions to provide an engaging learning experience
• real-life examples that place information in context to help you understand how the concepts delivered in
the course material can be applied to your work environment.

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 Who you’ll learn from

Academic Director
Amir Amel-Zadeh
Accounting, Saïd Business School University of Oxford
Amir’s research examines the effects of companies’ financial and non-financial
information disclosures on capital markets and the mediating role of accounting
standards and information intermediaries.

He teaches on the MBA and Executive MBA as well as on executive education

programmes for legal and financial services professionals. He has taught or consulted
for the financial services industry in the US, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

He currently serves as Associate Editor for the Special Issue on Business and Climate
Change at Management Science and is on the Editorial Board of Accounting and
Business Research. He received his PhD from the University of Cambridge.

Industry expert contributors and faculty

Stephanie Gnissios Judith C Stroehle
Associate Fellow Associate Scholar
Colin Mayer CBE Jonathan Trevor
Emeritus Professor Associate Professor of Management
Practice
Anette Mikes
Associate Professor of Accounting Robert G Eccles
Visiting Professor of Management
Juliane Reinecke
Practice
Professor of Management Studies
Joel Shapiro
Professor of Financial Economics

More than 25 experts from around the world, including University of Oxford faculty and
industry leaders, draw on their expertise to provide a window into the transformational
change and potential opportunities from sustainable business models.

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 The partnership

Saïd Business School and AICPA & CIMA (the Association of International Certified Professional
Accountants and Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) are partnering to provide rigorous
and up-to-date courses covering academic, professional and regulatory expertise on crucial ESG and
sustainability topics for risk and accountancy roles that report to or work with the CFO.

Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

Oxford Saïd blends the best of new and old. We are a vibrant and innovative business school, yet
deeply embedded in an 800-year-old world-class university. We create programmes and ideas that
have global impact. We educate people for successful business careers, and as a community seek to
tackle world-scale problems. We deliver cutting-edge programmes and ground-breaking research that
transform individuals, organisations, business practice and society.
We seek to be a world-class business school community, embedded in a world-class university,
tackling world scale problems.

Oxford Saïd Online: revolutionising your learning journey

Oxford Saïd Online is a ground-breaking initiative by Oxford Saïd that reimagines worldwide online
learning. We integrate diverse digital experiences into a unified platform, pioneering innovative learning
for practitioners seeking enriched perspectives.
Our flexible online courses, structured in weekly modules, empower busy professionals to excel
without compromising work and family commitments. At the outset of every week, your tutor team
will bring to life the rich treasure trove of learning that will be at your fingertips and you’ll be supported
by a dedicated Success Advisor to ensure effective goal-setting and time management.
Our tailored approach thrives through subject expert tutors who guide discussions, address queries,
and review assignments. We offer a transformative journey through premium learning, lifelong
community engagement and a robust support network which creates real-world impact.
Welcome to Oxford Saïd Online – where education meets empowerment.

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 AICPA & CIMA
The American Institute of CPAs® (AICPA) and its predecessors have served the public interest for 136
years. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® (CIMA) was founded in 1919 and has
helped shaped the profession for over a century. In 2017, we came together as AICPA & CIMA to forge
a powerful international alliance that promotes accounting and finance in every corner of the world.

Today, we serve 689,000 members, students and engaged professionals in 196 countries and
territories. By providing exclusive guidance and specialized resources – including prestigious
designations, certifications and credentials – we empower you to create an even brighter tomorrow,
both for yourself and for the profession.

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 Getting started

Technical requirements
A desktop or laptop computer with the following features:

• Operating System: Microsoft Windows or macOS

• Browser: the latest version of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge
• A working camera and microphone
• An internet connection with a minimum speed of 3 Mbps for both upload and download
(10 Mbps is recommended)

ID verification
Upon successful completion of the course, to be eligible for a certificate from Saïd Business School you
will need to verify your identity from within the online platform. Students will need to complete an ISO
27001-certified verification process, and will need a government-issued ID and a mobile phone or laptop
with a camera.

Get in touch
For more information please email
OnlineExecEd@sbs.ox.ac.uk

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